Investigator vs. Researcher: What Are the Differences?

Both investigators and researchers play important roles in finding and sharing information. If you’re curious and enjoy learning new things, either of these positions could be a good fit for you. In this article, we compare and contrast these two occupations, discussing the similarities and differences between them. We also provide information on the necessary qualifications and skills for each role.

What is an Investigator?

Investigators are research professionals who collect and analyze information to solve problems. They use a variety of methods to gather data, including interviews, surveys, observations, and document analysis. Investigators typically specialize in a particular area, such as criminal investigations, insurance fraud, or product defects. They use their findings to make recommendations to their clients or employers. Investigators often work for government agencies, law firms, or private companies.

What is a Researcher?

Researchers conduct studies and experiments to increase scientific knowledge in a particular area of study. They may work in a wide variety of fields, such as medicine, psychology, biology or engineering. Researchers typically develop research proposals outlining their proposed area of study and methodology. They then submit these proposals to funding organizations or their employer to gain approval and funding to proceed. Once funded, Researchers carry out their studies, collect data and analyze their results. They then write up their findings in reports or scientific papers to share with the scientific community.

Investigator vs. Researcher

Here are the main differences between an investigator and a researcher.

Job Duties

Investigators carry out their work by conducting surveillance, collecting evidence and interviewing people. They use the gathered information to determine whether a crime has been committed and who is responsible for it.

Researchers typically focus on one topic throughout their careers. They conduct research to identify patterns and underlying causes in that subject and present their findings to help improve a process or develop new methods. Researchers rarely perform surveillance or interviews as part of their jobs.

Job Requirements

Most investigators and researchers need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as criminal justice, sociology or psychology. Some research positions may require a master’s degree or higher. Many investigators and researchers also have experience working in the field they plan to research. For example, a researcher studying police brutality might have experience working as a police officer. This experience can help them understand the topic of their research from multiple perspectives.

Work Environment

Investigators and researchers typically work in different environments. Investigators often work for law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or local police departments. They may spend their days on the road, traveling to crime scenes and interviewing witnesses and suspects. Researchers usually work in an office environment, conducting research and writing reports.

Both investigators and researchers can face stressful situations at work. However, because of the nature of their jobs, investigators may experience more dangerous situations than researchers. For example, if they’re working with a criminal suspect, an investigator might need to use force to subdue them.

Skills

Both investigators and researchers need to have strong analytical skills to be successful in their roles. They also both need to be able to pay attention to detail and be able to think critically.

Investigators tend to work more with people, so they need to have strong interpersonal skills. They also need to be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Researchers, on the other hand, often work more with data, so they need to be able to understand and analyze complex information. They also need to be able to use research methods and tools to collect data.

Salary

The average salary for an investigator is $60,256 per year, while the average salary for a researcher is $69,622 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of research you’re doing, the location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.